The BRICS TimesPrime Minister Narendra Modi announced major GST reforms, saying the vision of “One Nation, One Tax” has now become reality. He highlighted how India’s earlier complex tax system troubled businesses and consumers. With these changes, daily essentials will become cheaper, and many services will either be tax-free or available at lower tax rates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his national address on Sunday, declared that the long-awaited dream of ‘One Nation, One Tax’ has finally been realized through the Goods and Services Tax reform. He emphasized that GST has successfully turned the idea of a unified taxation system into reality. Modi explained that the previous maze of taxes and tolls had created major obstacles for both trade and consumers across the country.
The Prime Minister pointed out that traders had been stuck in the trap of multiple taxes, which made business transactions across states extremely difficult. Each state imposed its own set of tax rules, and the movement of goods often faced unnecessary restrictions. Modi recalled that back in 2014, when the nation entrusted him with leadership, even international media had highlighted these challenges. He referred to a report about a company that claimed it was easier to send goods from Bengaluru to Europe and then reimport them to Hyderabad, rather than transport them directly within India due to heavy taxation and toll barriers.
GST Made a National Priority
Modi said that after assuming office in 2014, his government gave top priority to GST in the interest of the nation and the people. Every doubt from different states was resolved, and all concerns were addressed to make this reform possible. The Prime Minister stressed that such a massive tax reform in independent India was only achievable through the combined efforts of both the Centre and the states. He proudly declared that India is now free from the web of dozens of taxes, and the dream of “One Nation, One Tax” stands fulfilled.
Modi further highlighted that everyday goods will now cost less, while essential services like healthcare and life insurance will either be tax-free or attract only a five percent tax. He explained that out of the items previously taxed at 12 percent, nearly 99 percent have now moved into the five percent tax slab, providing relief to millions of households.
Double Bonanza for the New Middle Class
The Prime Minister also noted that citizens had already received significant relief with an income tax rebate of ₹12 lakh. He said that this time, it is the turn of the poor and the new middle class to benefit. According to him, people from these sections are now receiving a double advantage. Lower GST rates will make it easier for every Indian to fulfill their aspirations. Modi affirmed that the reform reflects his government’s commitment to ensure fairness and growth while protecting the interests of Indian workers.
